Q&A with Alana Eastling—Nature, Spirituality, and Empowerment
Image of Alana Eastling.
Interview featuring: Alana Eastling
Editor: Jeni Fjelstad
Creative Direction: Catie Menke
Alana Eastling is an artist from Portland, Oregon, who’s inspired by mindfulness and nature, her Indigenous culture, and spiritual wellness. The writer behind thoughtful interview series People We Admire also owns Pacific ReBloom, a mindful dried flower arrangement business.
Some advice from Alana — “Healing is a nonlinear journey,” she said. “You are worthy of peace. You get to be the love of your life. These are some mantras I frequently return to.”
We’re dying to know how she finds strength in emotional vulnerabilities, harnesses the power of feminine intuition and spirituality, and empowers others with love.
How did you discover your passions for mindfulness and nature?
I am a diasporic CHamoru woman. As indigenous peoples, our culture centers on our connection and relationship with nature. Dr. Jessica Hernandez speaks to this extensively in her book Fresh Banana Leaves: Healing Indigenous Landscapes Through Indigenous Science if you’re interested in learning more. The earth and her elements are the foundation of my spiritual practices. I am my most present, whole, and held when engaging with Mother Nature. She continually humbles me with her beauty and magic. I treat my relationship with her as I would any other I care for—with love, respect, trust, and compassion. The very least I can do is be mindful of how my thoughts, actions, and lifestyle have an impact on the land.
Image of Alana Eastling.
How do you typically practice mindfulness? How can something as simple as the mindfulness of breathing boost a person’s spiritual wellness?
An intention to connect with my spirit guides my mindfulness practices. I struggle with anxiety, and I’ve found the best way to keep my thoughts from spiraling is to ground in my breath and body. I discovered Yoga with Adriene in 2017, and I’ve been cultivating my yoga practice since. The awareness required for yoga empowered me to examine how I could practice that off the mat as well. I began journaling around that time too. I recommend Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way if you’re curious to develop a journaling routine. Therapy and meditation are also huge components of my soul-care toolkit.
How do you tie mindfulness into Pacific ReBloom?
Mindfulness means keeping my intentions and values at the forefront of my business. From Pacific ReBloom’s genesis, I wanted to ensure all that I’m building reflects my mission—to minimize my impact on the planet and maximize my impact in my community.
As a solo entrepreneur, I also try to celebrate each baby step. It can be overwhelming running a business all on my own. There is always more to get done. I make an effort to remind myself that showing up every day to learn is enough. That is my definition of success.
What is a moment in your life that flowers have been especially important to you? How do you use flowers as a show of love?
Flowers have always brought me such joy with their vibrancy and intricate beauty. A walk to admire neighborhood blooms is one of my favorite pastimes. They are all Mother Nature’s gentle little kisses. How special to be able to gift them to a loved one as an expression of affection.
One of my greatest treasures is the first flower I preserved. This dried rose holds the memory of my Tåtå and I visiting my Nåna’s gravesite together after she had passed. He gave me one of the roses as a thank you for joining him that day. I am reminded of the beautiful love my grandparents shared whenever I look at this rose. It represents the legacy of love they left in my family.
Image of Alana Eastling.
How has Pacific ReBloom become a reflection of your passions? Any advice on how others can turn their personal expression into something bigger?
Pacific ReBloom is a harmony of my passions for sustainability, artistry, and mindfulness. I left a job working in the beauty industry because I felt disconnected from my culture and values. I wasn’t sure where my career would take me, but I took a chance on myself to figure it out. I was in a position of privilege where time was on my side, so I trusted my path would find me. I was exploring other industries and opportunities, but nothing felt right. After a few months, patience and deep listening brought me Pacific ReBloom. My whole body vibrated from a deep knowing that this was already a part of me and my purpose was to bring it to reality.
How do you find strength in your emotional vulnerabilities? How do you navigate emotional vulnerability while working with clients during big life moments, like a wedding?
I’ve found my most fulfilling connections (personal or professional) grow from a place of vulnerability. For much of my life, I was hiding or running from pain and hard feelings. Being in survival mode can do that to you. Especially as a queer woman of color, our world and its systems benefit from my staying small. The pandemic opened me up to the power, healing, and connection in vulnerability. We all have our own stories and struggles. Making mistakes is what makes us human. I am proud of my journey—the wins, the losses, and all the growth I’ve fought for. Showing up with pride and grace for my light and my shadows is how I embody my authenticity.
Image of Alana Eastling.
As the writer behind People We Admire, how do you approach others’ stories with vulnerability? Why are the stories you’re telling an important piece in the empowerment of women?
My cousin, Gisela, taught me the importance of collaboration in the interview process. Setting a tone to be in community enables space for genuine connection. I want each person I speak with to feel empowered and respected in sharing their story. I open each conversation by disclosing how the person’s mission and work have moved me. I am honored by the trust I'm given to write about their journeys.
Catie's mission to empower others and their creative expression delighted me. She offered a beautiful space for my writing to live and connect with others. I seek similar stories from people who are doing that same work. Those who are uplifting others in whatever their craft might be.
How can someone harness the power of female intuition? How can women lean into spirituality in their daily lives?
Spirituality is connecting with yourself. Any and everyone has access to the Self with trust and deep listening. It is a journey of awakening to the who and why you are and how you want to be. I pay attention to how my body feels and signals when I’ve landed on a truth. It’s a practice of honoring that knowing no matter the conditioning, consequences, or judgments that resist it. That tiny voice in your head or stomach is your truth-teller.
How do you embrace a spiritual connection with yourself? With those around you?
My spiritual practices change depending on the season of life that I am in. I try to remain open because sometimes showing up is the hardest part. But I never regret dropping in to connect with my spirit. And the universe or whatever higher power resonates with you. The bottom line is returning to a place of inner love and peace. Easier said than done but again, it is a practice. When I am grounded in that place, it is much easier to share that love and peace with others.
What is the link between spiritual wellness and empowerment?
Love is the most powerful energy in existence. It is transformative. Spiritual wellness is a surrender to the flow of the universe by grounding in self-love. The ways I practice loving myself have been some of my most liberating experiences. Especially in the face of hardships. Self-love is standing in my power by acknowledging and satisfying my own needs. Filling my cup with love allows an overflow to share with my community and encourages others to do the same.
Image by Alana Eastling.
Do you know a powerful woman who’s an inspiration? (We see you, powerful woman.) Share yours or a friend’s story with us & get involved as a Contributor or future Q&A guest.
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